JPH0355414Y2 - - Google Patents

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] [Purpose of the invention] (Field of industrial application) The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner equipped with a DC electric blower driven by batteries, and relates to a structure provided with two or more batteries. .

(Prior Art) Recently, small hand-held vacuum cleaners that vacuum dust using a direct current electric blower powered by a secondary battery have come into use because of their ease of use.

Conventionally, in this type of vacuum cleaner, for example, as shown in FIG. Batteries 3 (in the case of nickel-cadmium batteries, a plurality of batteries function as one battery) are arranged in one row, and
A structure is adopted in which a handle portion 4 is located above the electric blower 2 and in front of the battery 3 and extends in the front-rear direction. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the electric blower 2 and the battery 3 are connected in series through a main body switch 5 to form a discharge circuit 6, and a charging circuit 7 is connected to both poles of the battery 3.
The output terminal 11 of a rectifier circuit 10 built in the charging adapter 9 is detachably connected to the input terminal 8 of the charging circuit 7, and the rectifier circuit 10 is connected to the input terminal 8 of the charging circuit 7.
A charging current is supplied to the battery 3 via the charging circuit 7 and the charging circuit 7.

In the above conventional structure, only one battery 3 is used, so if the discharge current of the battery 3 is reduced in order to extend the usable time after charging, the suction force will be reduced, and the suction force will be reduced. On the other hand, if the discharge current is increased to increase the suction force, there is a problem that the usable time becomes shorter. Therefore, it is possible to use a battery 3 with a larger capacity, but this would increase the cost and the weight of the vacuum cleaner, and the original purpose of a small hand-held vacuum cleaner, which is easy to use, would be lost. be damaged.

Also, since the discharging current is much larger than the charging current, the usable time is short, while the battery
It takes several hours to charge the battery, so if the battery 3 dies while the vacuum cleaner is in use, the vacuum cleaner cannot be used for several hours while it is being charged, which is inconvenient. .

Furthermore, a structure has been adopted in which a resistor is appropriately interposed between the DC electric blower 2 and the battery 3, and the suction force can be changed stepwise, for example, from strong to standard. In the suction force, because the battery voltage is affected by resistance,
It was inefficient.

Therefore, as described in Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 60-67750, two batteries are provided as the power source for the electric blower, and the connection between these batteries can be switched between series connection and parallel connection using a power switch. A vacuum cleaner in which the suction force can be switched between two levels has also been proposed. Furthermore, due to the circuit configuration of this vacuum cleaner, the electric blower can be driven even when one of the two batteries is removed.

However, with this vacuum cleaner, the suction power cannot be changed when only one battery is installed.

(Problems to be solved by the invention) As mentioned above, the suction force can be changed by switching the connection of two batteries.
Even in the vacuum cleaner described in Publication No. 67750, the connection between the batteries is simply switched to either series connection or parallel connection using a power switch.
There was a problem that the suction force could not be changed when only one battery was installed.

The present invention aims to solve these problems, and allows the suction force to be changed not only when two or more batteries are installed, but also when only one battery is installed. The purpose is to provide a vacuum cleaner with a simple structure.

[Structure of the idea]

(Means for Solving the Problems) In order to achieve the above object, the vacuum cleaner of the present invention includes a vacuum cleaner main body that is provided with a DC electric blower and a dust collection chamber that communicates with the DC electric blower;
Two or more batteries connected in series to drive the DC electric blower are removably installed in a battery compartment formed in the vacuum cleaner body, and normally closed batteries are connected in parallel to each of these batteries. A type of interlocking switch is provided corresponding to each of these interlocking switches, and is biased toward the inside of the battery compartment and is displaced by being pressed against the battery installed in the battery compartment to displace the battery. A sensor for opening an interlocking switch connected in parallel with the battery, and a changeover switch for selectively inserting a resistor into the series circuit of the battery or the interlocking switch.

(Function) In the vacuum cleaner of the present invention, when a battery is installed in the battery installation part, the battery presses the sensing part that is biased toward the inside of the battery storage part, and this sensing part is displaced, so that the battery is not installed. An interlock switch connected in parallel with the battery that has been removed opens. On the other hand, if the battery is removed, the pressure on the sensing section is released, so the normally closed interlocking switch corresponding to the removed battery is closed. and,
For example, if the total number of batteries is 2 and both batteries are installed, if you use the changeover switch to set the resistor to the series circuit of both batteries, the series circuit of both batteries will be connected to the electric blower. is connected, the strongest suction force is obtained, and when a resistor is inserted into the series circuit of both batteries using the changeover switch, the series circuit of both batteries and the resistor is connected to the electric blower. , a slightly stronger suction force can be obtained. Also, when only one battery is installed and the other battery is removed, the interlock switch connected in parallel with the other battery is closed, but the changeover switch allows the connection between one battery and the closed interlock switch. If no resistor is inserted in the series circuit, only one battery is connected to the electric blower, and standard suction power is obtained, and the changeover switch connects one battery to the closed interlock. When a resistor is inserted into the series circuit with the switch, a series circuit of one battery and a resistor is connected to the electric blower, and a weak suction force is obtained. thus,
Even when only one battery is installed, the suction force can be changed, and the suction force can be changed in multiple stages by switching the changeover switch and attaching/detaching both batteries.

(Embodiment) The structure of an embodiment of the vacuum cleaner of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.

Reference numeral 21 denotes a vacuum cleaner main body, which is formed in the shape of a case that is long in the front-rear direction. And this vacuum cleaner body 21
The interior of the is divided into front and rear sections by a partition wall 22 that is integrally erected approximately at the center of the partition wall 22.
The front side is a dust collection chamber 23, and the rear side is an electric blower chamber 24. These dust collection chamber 23 and electric blower chamber 24 are connected to the partition wall 22.
They are communicated through a communication port 25 formed in the. In addition, the vacuum cleaner main body 2 faces the dust collection chamber 23.
A suction port 26 is formed in the front surface of the vacuum cleaner 1, and an exhaust port (not shown) is formed in the side surface of the cleaner body 21 facing the electric blower chamber 24. Further, the cleaner body 21 is provided with a handle portion 27 located above the electric blower chamber 24 and extending in the front-rear direction.

In the electric blower chamber 24, a DC electric blower 31 is located below the handle portion 27.
is disposed with its suction side facing the communication port 25 of the partition wall 22. Further, a filter 32 is provided in the dust collection chamber 23 so as to cover the communication port 25 of the partition wall 22 from the front side.

A rear battery storage section 33 is formed at the rear end of the vacuum cleaner main body 21, that is, at the rear of the electric blower 31, and is shaped like a vertically long box with an open bottom. The lower opening 34 of the storage section 33 is opened and closed by a removable lid (not shown). Further, a front battery storage section 36 is formed in the lower part of the dust collection chamber 23 in the vacuum cleaner main body 21, that is, in front of the electric blower 31, and has a box shape that is long in the front and back direction and has an open bottom surface. The lower opening 37 of the front battery storage section 36 is configured to be opened and closed by a removable lid 38. Further, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a pair of leaf spring-shaped contact plates 39 are provided on the inner surfaces of these battery storage parts 33 and 36, and leads connected to these contact plates 39 are provided. line 40
However, from the battery storage parts 33 and 36 to the electric blower room 24
guided within.

A main battery 41 and an auxiliary battery 42 such as lead-acid batteries having the same electromotive force are removably installed in these battery compartments 33 and 36 through their lower openings 34 and 37, respectively. Electrodes 43 of these batteries 41 and 42 are connected to the contact plate 39, respectively.

Further, a normally closed interlocking switch 44 is provided at the rear end of the electric blower chamber 24. That is, the front wall 45 of the rear battery storage section 33
A fixed conductive piece 47 is fixedly supported by a pair of protruding pieces 46 formed on the vacuum cleaner body 21 and located slightly forward of the main body 21 . A substantially plate-shaped rotating body 49 is rotatably supported at its center by a support shaft 48 formed in 21, and this rotating body 49
A movable conductive piece 50 that moves toward and away from the fixed conductive piece 47 as the movable conductive piece 50 rotates is fixed to the lower end of the movable conductive piece 50 . Further, a sensing portion 51 having a substantially U-shaped side surface is formed on the upper part of the rotating body 49, and this sensing portion 51
is protruded into and out of the battery storage portion 33 through a protrusion hole 52 formed in the front wall 45 . Furthermore, a spring 53 is attached to the support shaft 48.
is wound around the spring 53, and both ends of the spring 53 are engaged with the rotating body 49 and a protrusion 54 formed on the cleaner body 21, respectively. It is biased clockwise at . Then, as the main battery 41 is inserted into the rear battery storage section 33 in the direction of the arrow, the rotating body 49 is pressed by the battery 41 and rotates counterclockwise, thereby opening both conductive pieces of the switch 44. 47,
50 are separated and, on the other hand, when the battery 41 is removed, the rotating body 49 is rotated clockwise by the bias of the spring 53, so that both the conductive pieces 47 and 50 are joined together. That is, the switch 44 is opened and closed in conjunction with the attachment and detachment of the battery 41.

Also, near the front battery storage section 36, a similar structure to the switch 44 is provided, and an auxiliary battery 42 is installed.
An interlocking switch 55 is provided that opens and closes in conjunction with the attachment and detachment of the.

Next, the circuit configuration of this embodiment will be explained with reference to FIG.

Main battery 4 stored in the rear battery storage section 33
The anode of No. 1 is connected to the electric blower 31 via a main body switch 61. The operating section 62 of the main body switch 61 protrudes from the top surface of the vacuum cleaner main body 21, as shown in FIG.
On the other hand, the cathode of the main battery 41 is connected to the changeover switch 63.
is directly connected to the first contact 63a of. Note that the operating section 64 of this changeover switch 63 is
As shown in the figure, it protrudes from the side surface of the cleaner body 21. Further, the changeover switch 63 has three contacts 63b, 63c, and 63d selectively connected to the first contact 63a. The second contact 63b is directly connected to the cathode of the auxiliary battery 42, the third contact 63c is directly connected to the anode of the auxiliary battery 42, and the fourth contact 63d is directly connected to the anode of the auxiliary battery 42. It is connected to the anode via a resistor 65. Further, the cathode of this auxiliary battery 42 is directly connected to the electric blower 31. Furthermore, both the interlocking switches 44, 5
5 are connected in parallel with the main battery 41 and the auxiliary battery 42, respectively. These electric blower 31, batteries 41, 42, and switches 44, 5
5, 61, and 63 constitute a discharge circuit 66.

Furthermore, charging circuits 67 and 68 are provided inside the vacuum cleaner main body 21, respectively, and have an overcharging prevention function for charging the main battery 41 and the auxiliary battery 42, and a charging completion display function. The + side output terminal 67a of one charging circuit 67 is connected to the anode of the main battery 41 via a diode 69, and the + side output terminal 68a of the other charging circuit 68 is connected to the anode of the main battery 41 via a diode 70. Connected to the anode of the auxiliary battery 42, negative output terminals 67b, 68b of both charging circuits 67, 68
are both connected to the cathode of the auxiliary battery 42. Further, the + side input terminals 67c, 68c of these charging circuits 67, 68 are connected to the + side terminal 71 of a jack provided facing the outer surface of the vacuum cleaner main body 21.
a, and the negative input terminals 67d and 68d of these charging circuits 67 and 68 are both connected to the negative terminal of the jack.
It is connected to the side terminal 71b.

Reference numeral 72 denotes a charging adapter provided separately from the vacuum cleaner main body 21, and includes a rectifier circuit 76 consisting of a transformer 73 and diodes 74 and 75. That is, an AC power source 77 is connected to the primary coil of the transformer 73, and both ends of the secondary coil are connected to the + side terminal 71a of the jack via diodes 74 and 75, respectively. 78a and 2
The middle point of the next coil is the negative terminal 7 of the jack.
It is connected to the - side terminal 78b of the plug connected to 1b.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be explained.

When cleaning, the handle part 27 of the vacuum cleaner body 21
, and move the suction port 26 to face the surface to be cleaned.

Dust is then sucked in through the suction port 26 by driving the electric blower 31 and stored in the dust collection chamber 23 by the filter 32.

At this time, the electric blower 31
1 to start or stop the electric blower 31, but the suction force of the electric blower 31 can be changed by operating the changeover switch 63.

For example, when the main battery 41 and the auxiliary battery 42 are both installed, when the first contact 63a of the changeover switch 63 is connected to the third contact 63c, that is, when the switch is switched to the third contact 63c, A series circuit of both batteries 41 and 42 is connected to the electric blower 31 to obtain the strongest suction force. Moreover, when switching to the fourth contact point 63d, a series circuit of both batteries 41, 42 and a resistor 65 is connected to the electric blower 31, and a somewhat strong suction force is obtained.
When switching to the contact 63b, only the main battery 41 is connected to the electric blower 31, and this electric blower 31
is driven to obtain standard suction force. In this way, when both batteries 41 and 42 are installed, the suction force can be switched to three levels.

On the other hand, when the auxiliary battery 42 is removed and only the main battery 41 is installed, the interlock switch 55 connected in parallel with the auxiliary battery 42 is closed, so the changeover switch 63 is connected to the second contact 63b. Alternatively, when switching to the third contact 63c, only the main battery 41 is connected to the electric blower 31 to obtain a standard suction force, and when switching to the fourth contact 63d, the main battery 41 and the resistance are connected to the electric blower 31. A series circuit with 65 is connected to obtain the weakest suction force. Further, when the main battery 41 is removed and only the auxiliary battery 42 is installed, the interlock switch 44 connected in parallel with the main battery 41 is closed, and the changeover switch 63 is connected to the third contact 63c. When switched, only the auxiliary battery 42 is connected to the electric blower 31 to obtain a standard suction force, and when switched to the fourth contact 63d, the series circuit of the auxiliary battery 42 and the resistor 65 is connected to the electric blower 31. Therefore, a weak suction force can be obtained. In this way, when only one of the batteries 41 and 42 is installed, the suction force can be switched between two levels.

In this way, since the interlocking switches 44 and 55 that open and close in conjunction with the attachment and detachment of the two batteries 41 and 42 are provided, even though only one resistor 65 is provided, the changeover of one changeover switch 63 is possible. By operation and attachment/detachment of both batteries 41, 42, it is possible to change the suction force in four stages.

In other words, all the suction forces can be changed using only one changeover switch 63 and only one resistor 65, resulting in a simple structure.

In addition, since the suction force can be switched as described above, by selecting the suction force according to the application, the capacity of the batteries 41 and 42 can be used effectively, and the capacity of the batteries 41 and 42 can be effectively used. You can make the time longer. Furthermore, when strong suction power is not required, the main batteries 41 and 42 can be removed and used, reducing the overall weight of the vacuum cleaner.
Therefore, operability is improved. Further, even if one of the batteries 41, 42 runs out during cleaning, cleaning can be continued using the other battery 42, 41. In other words, the vacuum cleaner can be used at all times, except when both batteries 41 and 42 run out at the same time. This is particularly advantageous for hand-held vacuum cleaners that are frequently used.

When charging the batteries 41 and 42, the plug of the charging adapter 72 is connected to the jack of the vacuum cleaner body 21. In addition, the main body switch 61 is left open, the changeover switch 63 is switched to the contact 63b,
The cathodes of the main battery 41 and the auxiliary battery 42 are connected together. Then, the charging current supplied from the rectifier circuit 76 of the charging adapter 72 passes through one charging circuit 67 and the diode 69 to the main battery 41.
It also flows to the auxiliary battery 42 via the other charging circuit 68 and diode 70, and both batteries 41 and 42 are charged.

In this way, since the charging circuits 67 and 68 are provided in one-to-one correspondence with each battery 41 and 42,
If the usage conditions of both batteries 41 and 42 are different, when charging of one battery 41 and 42 is completed first,
Using one of the batteries 41 and 42, standard suction power cleaning can be performed. In other words,
By providing two batteries 41 and 42, cleaning with standard suction power is possible in less charging time than when only one battery is provided, and the vacuum cleaner can be charged when not in use. If you leave it in this condition, it will be in a state where it can be cleaned almost all the time.

If there is a charging device separate from the vacuum cleaner main body 21, for example, when the auxiliary battery 42 is removed and cleaning is performed using only the main battery 41, the auxiliary battery 42 can be
It can be charged by a charging device.

In the above embodiment, a structure was described in which the contact 63a of the changeover switch 63 was connected to the cathode of the main battery 41, but the cathode of the main battery 41 and the anode of the auxiliary battery 42 were short-circuited, and the cathode of the auxiliary battery 42 was connected to the cathode of the auxiliary battery 42. Two selectively switched contacts 63b, 63d
A structure may be adopted in which the contact 63a of the changeover switch 63 having a switch 63 is connected.

With this structure, it is possible to switch between strong suction force and slightly strong suction force when both batteries 41 and 42 are installed, and between standard suction force and weak suction force when only one battery 41 and 42 is installed. Power can be switched.

Further, in the above embodiment, the main battery 41 and the auxiliary battery 42 are batteries that generate the same voltage.
The main battery 41 is a battery that generates the rated voltage of the DC electric blower 31, and the auxiliary battery 42 is the battery that generates the rated voltage of the DC electric blower 31.
It is also possible to use a small battery with a voltage lower than 1.

During normal use, only the main battery 41 is attached to the vacuum cleaner body 21, and the DC electric blower 31
Cleaning is carried out at maximum efficiency, while
When cleaning an area such as a car that does not require strong suction power, remove the main battery 41 and install the auxiliary battery 42.
to drive. With this structure, when in use, cleaning can be performed in a state where the weight of the vacuum cleaner is the lightest depending on the required suction force, and at the time of manufacture, a small, lightweight, and inexpensive electric blower 31 can be selected.

[Effect of idea]

As described above, according to the present invention, the suction force can be switched not only when two or more batteries are installed, but also when only one battery is installed.
Moreover, the suction force can be changed in multiple stages by changing the changeover switch and attaching/detaching the battery. Moreover, the suction force can be changed by using the same changeover switch and the same resistance regardless of how many batteries are installed or which batteries are installed, and the structure is simple.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Fig. 1 is a partially cutaway side view showing an embodiment of the vacuum cleaner of the present invention, Fig. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional side view of the vicinity of the battery compartment as above, and Fig. 3 is a longitudinal cross-section of the vicinity of the battery compartment as above. 4 is a rear view, FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram as described above, FIG. 5 is a side view showing an example of a conventional vacuum cleaner, and FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram as described above. 21... Vacuum cleaner body, 23... Dust collection chamber, 31...
...DC electric blower, 33...Battery storage section, 36...
... Battery storage section, 41 ... Main battery, 42 ... Auxiliary battery, 44 ... Interlocking switch, 51 ... Sensing section, 5
5... Interlocking switch, 63... Changeover switch, 6
5...Resistance.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claim for Utility Model Registration] A vacuum cleaner body that is provided with a DC electric blower and a dust collection chamber that communicates with the DC electric blower, and a battery compartment that is removably installed inside the vacuum cleaner body. Two or more batteries connected in series to drive the DC electric blower, normally closed interlocking switches connected in parallel to each of these batteries, and provided corresponding to each of these interlocking switches, respectively, a sensing section that is biased toward the battery housing and is displaced by being pressed by a battery installed in the battery housing to open an interlocking switch connected in parallel with the battery; A vacuum cleaner characterized by comprising: a changeover switch that selectively inserts a resistor into a series circuit of the switch;